Individual Therapy Attrition Rates in a Low-Intensity Service: A Comparison of Cognitive Behavioural and Person-Centred Therapies and the Impact of Deprivation
Grant K., McMeekin E., Jamieson R., Fairfull A., Miller C., White J.
<jats:p><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold> This paper looks at attrition in relation to deprivation and type of therapy – CBT or person-centred counselling. <jats:bold>Method:</jats:bold> Case notes of all those referred in a 4-month period (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 497) were assessed for those who failed to opt-in; those who opted-in but failed to attend first appointment and those who attended first appointment but subsequently dropped-out. <jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> Significant numbers failed to opt-in, attend first appointment or dropped out during therapy. There were no differences between CBT and PCT. Those from the most deprived areas were less likely to opt-in. <jats:bold>Conclusions:</jats:bold> We need to develop better approaches to attracting and maintaining contact with individuals complaining of common mental health problems.</jats:p>